Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1887-11-03
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WASHINGTON LETTER.
lErOm our rcgular correSnon1oniD

NtlNHl Nhl NNEulENl NblA'NINH''h 'h''l
WASnlNGTON, II. c., Oct 81, 1881.
One of the busiest men in Washington Is
President Cleveland, who is now absorbed
in investigating tho reports of government
hure:.i officers and statistical works for the
purpose of preparing his annual message to
Congress-. Most Of tie large libraries in the
Capital have contributed something 10 che
end in view, and doubt whether even the
encyclopedia Is IN exception.
The President is not the only one prepar-
ing for the long session of Congress, now
so near nj hand, rs the Congressman them
selves are arriving in the city every day, 50
rs To have plenty OF time 10 settle them
selves down before beginning the long and
lahorious task of next sessions work, which
will probably extend far into the summer.
IL is likely that the skirmiSh line of the
Presidential contest OF 1883 Will he fought
in the Fitlicth Congress, so IL is highly
probable that many exciting and sensation
al scenes will hc enacted in the effort 10
manufacture political capital for use IN the
pending campaign.
The taritf viii bc the question of all 9TH
crS chat will occupy the attention ot that
body, while the iudiSpoSiyion of the rrcasu-
ry surplus will perhaps be considered col
leteral subject.
The Interstate Commerce law will be a.
mcnded, and in new legislation, efforts will
be made for the better protection of rail
road passengers from being roasted 10 death
hV heating stoves and kerosene lamps.
Those who advocate government control OF
the telegraph expect 10 move in behalf oi
their faVOrite measure. y perfect shower
of pension bills may be expected, hat am of
the opinion that most of them will graceful
ly repose on the table until unccrcmoniouS-
" committed 10 the Congressional ur PreSi-
Dental wastc-basIetS, for reform and re-
trenchmeut will he the watchwori with
Democrats, while the Republicans Will
chiefly figure rs maleContents and oOstruc-
tiouists.
The Fisheries Commission, of which YOU
have heard SO much, has engaged thirty
two rooms ut one of the leading hotels and
will begin its deliberations the latter part ot
next week, at which time the arrival of the
British Commissioners is expected their
American colleagues are now here in con-
Sultation with Secretary Blyard rs 10 their
duties and the extent of their authority.
For long time the PoStoiiicc Department
was greatly puzzled ut the wholesale reduc-
ton in the salaries of those poStmaStrrs
wohSe pay ydependS,upon the amount of pos;
age stamps cancelled by tEem-a steady
decrease being noted i'll every case where :
Democrat has eucCceded a Republican. But
an investi CATION shows that the Republican
postmasterS had boon making false returns
and charging for stamps sold but not can
cellcl, while, on the other hand their Dem
ocrltic successors have kept honest accounts
with the government. The result Is that The
old Republican poStmasterS have been com
PEELED to refund half Il million dollars
wrongfully withheldifrom the United States
"Turn the rascals out"
The tlirl ana fourth class plStmaSters
are dissatisfied with their salaries, and pur
pose holding a national convention in this
/ city in December with the object of calling
upon Congress to provide some way for III
! imrrrlSn of their cNmnensltion.